Day Eleven: Inspiring Others While Training Hard

Another Busy Day

Today was another long and busy day. Honestly, this has become the new normal. Each day seems to feel full and fast, from the early morning hours filled with exam preparations, corrections, and revisions, to the regular cycle that just doesn’t seem to end. It’s a routine that, while tiring, I’ve gradually started to adapt to and embrace. The rhythm of work and training has woven itself into the fabric of my daily life, becoming an integral part of who I am now.

I made an effort to stay focused on my tasks, squeezing in as much work as I could during the little free time available to me. I also tried to save some energy for what truly matters to me, training. I cherish those precious one or two hours I get to spend at the gym; they feel like a slice of freedom from the hustle and bustle of daily responsibilities.

After school, I hurried home, treating myself to a good meal, taking a moment to rest for less than an hour, and then gearing up for an online revision session with my students. When that session wrapped up, it was finally time to head to the gym, where kickboxing was on the agenda for the day.

Finding Motivation Everywhere

Last time we met, Abdullah gave me some advice to follow the different official Saudi Arabia Martial Arts Federation pages for updates on upcoming events and happenings, and that’s exactly what I did. Since then, I’ve made it a point to check them daily for news about events and competitions, which gives me something to look forward to each day. It adds an element of excitement and anticipation in my routine.

After one of my sessions, I also took the opportunity to discuss martial arts with one of my students. He seemed genuinely interested but expressed uncertainty about whether his parents would allow him to pursue it. I took the time to explain how martial arts can build strength, discipline, and confidence in individuals, transforming not just their abilities but their outlook on life. Today, he shared the fantastic news that his parents finally agreed to let him train. Hearing that made me incredibly proud. It’s a small achievement in the grand scheme of things, but knowing that I could inspire someone to take that first crucial step into this world feels incredibly meaningful.

Training With Energy and Respect

I made sure to arrive early for my kickboxing session, being early is always preferable to rushing in at the last minute. Once everyone was gathered, we were around a dozen in total, mostly young people or teenagers, eager to start. We began with warm-up exercises that included stretching, squats, split legs, and all the basic movements necessary to prepare our bodies for the work ahead. After a short break, we geared up and dove straight into practicing combos.

I teamed up with a 13-year-old kid who weighed around 56 kilos. I was surprised and impressed by his skills. He was strong, focused, and incredibly fast. His technique was solid, but I could tell he needed to work a bit more on his stamina. I even had the chance to get some tips from him on how to improve my left high kick, which I’ve always considered my weak side. He advised me to twist my waist more and keep my right hand up to protect my face, and I found that advice immensely helpful.

We practiced a variety of combinations; jab, cross, hook, followed by a right kick to the midsection. We then added two high kicks with the left to elevate the intensity. Later, we focused on practicing clinches and delivered knee strikes to each other’s faces. After that, we switched roles and worked on knee strikes aimed at the sides. It was a great workout that pushed us both to our limits.

At the end of our training, we had light sparring sessions where the coach insisted we hit harder. However, I chose to hold back; I didn’t want to hurt the kid who was much younger than me, despite having more fighting experience. I felt like I managed to do well overall. A few of the other participants asked whether I had trained before. I mentioned that I mostly engage in calisthenics at home, which they seemed impressed by. They complimented my technique and physique, which I took as a heartfelt compliment; I’ve always thought of myself as somewhat skinny. Maybe I’m changing, evolving not just physically but mentally as well.

Rest, Recovery, and Reflection

After our vigorous session, which lasted about an hour and twenty minutes, I made the decision to skip wrestling that evening. I realized I had work to do, and frankly, I needed to get some sleep. After all, what’s the point of training so hard if I don’t allow for proper recovery? It’s essential to balance effort and rest.

Upon returning home, I showered and enjoyed a hearty meal, tackled some more teaching responsibilities, and then finally took the time to rest. I noticed that the kid’s kicks had left a lingering bit of pain, which reminded me of his power and skill. I took the moment to tell him he was doing fantastic in his training, and I genuinely meant it. I sincerely wish him all the best as he embarks on this journey.

Days like today serve as a powerful reminder that progress isn’t solely measured by how much stronger you become; it’s also about how much you can contribute to the community around you and inspire others through your actions.

Day Eleven Lesson

Inspiration is indeed a circle. When you train hard, you ignite motivation in others, and as they grow and develop, they, in turn, motivate you back, creating a beautiful cycle of growth and inspiration.

Day Eleven complete. Another lesson learned.

👉 Have you ever realized that your effort was inspiring someone else, even when you didn’t notice it at first? It’s often the small, everyday actions that leave the most profound impact on those around us.